How to Get Stunning Product Photos of Silverware Using a Single Light

Photographing an object with a reflective surface can be a challenge, and you’d imagine that it gets even worse if the entire thing is made out of shiny metal. Here’s how to create perfect photos of cutlery with just a single speedlight.

Dustin Dolby of workphlo has carved a reputation for being able to produce impressive results from some comparatively basic setups. Here, he runs through how just a single, small strobe can be controlled so that it provides crisp, even illumination for photographing silverware.

Dolby makes the lighting look pretty straightforward, and while his setup is pretty low-fi when it comes to strobes and camera gear, his level of control comes from having the right stands, clamps, and surfaces — and of course, the knowledge of how to put them to good use. B&H Photo has a plethora of gear for exactly these purposes, whether it’s a $3 clamp or a $28 acrylic board for placing your products. There’s also plenty of foamboard available when you want to create a surface that offers a little bit of texture.

What would you add to Dolby’s video? Let us know in the comments below.

Andy Day's picture

Andy Day is a British photographer and writer living in France. He began photographing parkour in 2003 and has been doing weird things in the city and elsewhere ever since. He's addicted to climbing and owns a fairly useless dog. He has an MA in Sociology & Photography which often makes him ponder what all of this really means.

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